As the first flower to bloom in spring, daffodils are symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings. Since 1956, the iconic flower has been associated with the fight against cancer, representing the hope for a cure. August twenty-sixth, Daffodil Day, is a special time for the Cancer Society of New Zealand. 

At their Wellington office, volunteering manager Moana Uerata-Jennings says that the volunteer lounge is decorated, staff bake treats such as daffodil cupcakes, and vases of fresh daffodils are positioned on workstations. Daffodil Day pins and decorations are also available at select locations throughout Wellington Hospital. This year, Whitecliffe Design students have used fabrics depicting daffodils to fashion eight different outfits as a fundraiser for Daffodil Day, displaying them on mannequins around Wellington, Porirua and Wairarapa (daffodilday.org.nz).

"You can feel the aroha that comes from a person’s baking."

At the Otago Southland Division office, volunteering manager Charlotte Molloy says, “it’s an all-hands-on event”, with Cancer Society staff and volunteers working together to run the day. Staff circulate around street collection sites, providing treats and sustenance, and thanking as many volunteers as they can in person.

“Daffodil Day provides an opportunity for many people affected by cancer to share their stories, whether they are clients, volunteers, or members of the public. It also helps people to understand the Cancer Society’s services and often leads to new referrals.”

Good Bitches Baking is a proud supporter of the Cancer Society’s work in New Zealand. “Baked goods are very different to a packet of biscuits from the supermarket”, according to Moana. They show that “someone has committed time and effort to bake and add a little ray of sunshine to someone’s day. You can feel the aroha that comes from a person’s baking.”

Charlotte notes that the support care staff have recently had some clients in hospital who, for one reason or another, have no or very few visitors, and that the delivery of baking “really ma[kes] their day”. Moana adds that we should “never underestimate the value that the baking you provide has on people”.

Indeed, if any Good Bitches are willing to theme their baking in honour of Daffodil Day, Moana thinks “that would be very cool.”

25,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer each year. There are many ways you can show your support for Daffodil Day - it could be as simple as wearing yellow, raising awareness for the date (Friday 26th August), supporting a fundraiser, or donating .